Laser therapy: what it does and does it work?

Low-level laser therapy, also called "cold laser", shines a gentle red or near-infrared light onto a sore area to ease pain and help tissue recover. At Foot Ankle Lower Limb we sometimes use it alongside exercise for heel, tendon and other soft-tissue pain. Here's what it does, how it's thought to work, and when it's worth trying.

What is it like?

A treatment session is painless. The laser doesn't heat, cut or vibrate the skin.¹ You wear protective glasses while your podiatrist holds the laser over the painful area for a few minutes. With a higher-powered laser you may feel mild warmth.

How does it work?

The light is absorbed by the tiny energy-producing parts inside your cells. The leading theory is that this gives the cells a boost of energy and switches on signals that calm inflammation and support repair.² Scientists are still working out the details, so think of this as the best current explanation rather than settled fact.²

Getting the dose right matters. Treatments given at the recommended dose tend to work better than those that aren't.³,⁴

Does it work?

It can help some conditions, but it's an extra rather than a cure, and it works best alongside exercise.

• Heel pain (plantar fasciitis): laser can ease pain for the first few months, as part of a broader treatment plan.³ It doesn't seem to make much difference to how well your foot works day to day.³
• Tendon pain in the foot and lower leg: laser added to a strengthening program can reduce pain a little more than exercise alone.⁴ We don't yet know whether the benefit lasts long term.⁴
• Achilles tendon pain: the results are mixed. Exercise that gradually loads the tendon is the treatment that works best, and current guidelines don't recommend laser for the most common type of Achilles pain.¹
• Ankle sprains: laser may ease pain in the first few days, but a structured exercise and balance program is what helps a sprained ankle recover.⁵,⁶
• Arthritis: some studies show less knee pain, but the evidence isn't strong enough for UK guidelines to recommend it.⁷,⁸

Is it safe?

Low-level laser is very safe, and serious side effects haven't been reported.¹,⁴ The light must never shine into the eyes. We don't use it over a known cancer, over the front of the neck if you have an overactive thyroid, over the tummy during pregnancy, or for people with epilepsy.⁹

What to expect at FALL

Your podiatrist will assess you first and tell you honestly whether laser is likely to help. If we use it, it will be one part of your plan, together with exercises, footwear advice or orthoses (shoe inserts).

We have two lasers: a THOR low-level laser and a higher-powered LightForce laser. Sessions are short, often 10–15 minutes. For heel pain, treatment is usually about three times a week for three weeks.³ We'll agree on how many sessions make sense, and stop if it isn't helping.

To find out what's likely to help your pain, book an appointment.

References

1. Chimenti RL, Neville C, Houck J, et al. (2024). Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits: midportion Achilles tendinopathy revision – 2024. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 54(12), CPG1–CPG32. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2024.0302
2. de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR (2016). Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 7000417. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201
3. Koc TA, Bise CG, Neville C, et al. (2023). Heel pain – plantar fasciitis: revision 2023. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 53(12), CPG1–CPG39. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2023.0303
4. Naterstad IF, Joensen J, Bjordal JM, et al. (2022). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 12(9), e059479. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059479
5. Martin RL, Davenport TE, Fraser JJ, et al. (2021). Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments: lateral ankle ligament sprains revision 2021. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(4), CPG1–CPG80. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2021.0302
6. Vuurberg G, Hoorntje A, Wink LM, et al. (2018). Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(15), 956. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098106
7. Stausholm MB, Naterstad IF, Joensen J, et al. (2019). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open, 9(10), e031142. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031142
8. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226
9. Navratil L, Kymplova J (2002). Contraindications in noninvasive laser therapy: truth and fiction. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery, 20(6), 341–343. https://doi.org/10.1089/104454702320901134

Reviewed by Andrew Schox, Podiatrist, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod. Last reviewed October 2026.